Pediatrics Nursing Exam Questions and Answers with Rationales –
Latest Update 2026/2027
Question 1
The primary goal of pediatric nursing care is to:
A. Treat only acute illnesses
B. Promote optimal growth, development, health, and well-being of
children
C. Focus only on medication administration
D. Prevent parents from participating in care
Correct Answer: B. Promote Optimal Growth, Development, Health,
and Well-Being of Children
Rationale:
Pediatric nursing focuses on supporting children's physical, emotional,
cognitive, and social development while providing family-centered care.
Question 2
A nurse assessing an infant should recognize that which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Sleeping 16 hours per day
B. Strong sucking reflex
C. Difficulty breathing with nasal flaring
D. Occasional crying
Correct Answer: C. Difficulty Breathing With Nasal Flaring
,Rationale:
Nasal flaring indicates increased respiratory effort and may signal
respiratory distress requiring immediate intervention.
Question 3
Which vaccine is typically administered at birth?
A. MMR vaccine
B. Hepatitis B vaccine
C. Varicella vaccine
D. HPV vaccine
Correct Answer: B. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Rationale:
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended shortly after birth to protect
newborns from hepatitis B infection.
Question 4
A nurse evaluating a child's growth should use which tool to monitor
physical development?
A. Growth chart
B. Medication record
C. Intake sheet only
D. Laboratory report
Correct Answer: A. Growth Chart
,Rationale:
Growth charts track height, weight, and body mass index trends over
time to assess normal development.
Question 5
Which developmental milestone is expected in a 6-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently
B. Sitting with support
C. Speaking in complete sentences
D. Riding a bicycle
Correct Answer: B. Sitting With Support
Rationale:
Around 6 months, many infants can sit with support, roll over, and begin
increased motor control.
Question 6
A nurse caring for a hospitalized toddler should understand that the
child's greatest fear is often:
A. Loss of independence and separation from caregivers
B. Financial problems
C. Academic failure
D. Career choices
Correct Answer: A. Loss of Independence and Separation From
Caregivers
, Rationale:
Toddlers commonly experience separation anxiety and fear loss of
control during hospitalization.
Question 7
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a child with
dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Increased urine output
C. Sunken eyes and decreased tears
D. Normal skin elasticity
Correct Answer: C. Sunken Eyes and Decreased Tears
Rationale:
These findings indicate fluid loss and possible moderate to severe
dehydration.
Question 8
A nurse caring for a child with asthma recognizes that the priority
assessment is:
A. Respiratory status
B. Hair color
C. Dietary preference
D. Sleep position only
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory Status
Latest Update 2026/2027
Question 1
The primary goal of pediatric nursing care is to:
A. Treat only acute illnesses
B. Promote optimal growth, development, health, and well-being of
children
C. Focus only on medication administration
D. Prevent parents from participating in care
Correct Answer: B. Promote Optimal Growth, Development, Health,
and Well-Being of Children
Rationale:
Pediatric nursing focuses on supporting children's physical, emotional,
cognitive, and social development while providing family-centered care.
Question 2
A nurse assessing an infant should recognize that which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Sleeping 16 hours per day
B. Strong sucking reflex
C. Difficulty breathing with nasal flaring
D. Occasional crying
Correct Answer: C. Difficulty Breathing With Nasal Flaring
,Rationale:
Nasal flaring indicates increased respiratory effort and may signal
respiratory distress requiring immediate intervention.
Question 3
Which vaccine is typically administered at birth?
A. MMR vaccine
B. Hepatitis B vaccine
C. Varicella vaccine
D. HPV vaccine
Correct Answer: B. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Rationale:
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended shortly after birth to protect
newborns from hepatitis B infection.
Question 4
A nurse evaluating a child's growth should use which tool to monitor
physical development?
A. Growth chart
B. Medication record
C. Intake sheet only
D. Laboratory report
Correct Answer: A. Growth Chart
,Rationale:
Growth charts track height, weight, and body mass index trends over
time to assess normal development.
Question 5
Which developmental milestone is expected in a 6-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently
B. Sitting with support
C. Speaking in complete sentences
D. Riding a bicycle
Correct Answer: B. Sitting With Support
Rationale:
Around 6 months, many infants can sit with support, roll over, and begin
increased motor control.
Question 6
A nurse caring for a hospitalized toddler should understand that the
child's greatest fear is often:
A. Loss of independence and separation from caregivers
B. Financial problems
C. Academic failure
D. Career choices
Correct Answer: A. Loss of Independence and Separation From
Caregivers
, Rationale:
Toddlers commonly experience separation anxiety and fear loss of
control during hospitalization.
Question 7
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a child with
dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Increased urine output
C. Sunken eyes and decreased tears
D. Normal skin elasticity
Correct Answer: C. Sunken Eyes and Decreased Tears
Rationale:
These findings indicate fluid loss and possible moderate to severe
dehydration.
Question 8
A nurse caring for a child with asthma recognizes that the priority
assessment is:
A. Respiratory status
B. Hair color
C. Dietary preference
D. Sleep position only
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory Status
